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Hello Friends of Arts and Culture in Oregon! The time to engage with policymakers is now!

We’ve been preparing for all the action in the 2019 legislative session and the opening move is coming on Monday, February 18th when the House Committee of Economic Development will hold a hearing on HB 2052 — a bill to extend the sunset on the cultural tax credit for the next ten years. We hope you will contact your legislators to encourage them to support HB 2052 and to share with them the priority that you and other Oregonians put on access to creative expression in this state.

Oregon is unique in the Nation in having the Cultural Trust but we are far from the $200 million fund that was originally envisioned. We need to collectively raise our voices in support of building this fund and using tax incentives to help do it — remember dollars in the Cultural Trust are distributed to every county and to tribal partners. This tax credit is an important engagement tool for this state and critical to our cultural ecosystem. Please add your voice! Best — Cultural Advocacy Coalition

Send your support letter for HB 2052 in by Friday, February 15th to: [email protected]

It is with both great pride and some sadness that I share with you that Arts Commission and Cultural Trust Assistant Director David Huff has resigned effective next week to accept the new position of City Arts Manager with the City of Portland.

While we will miss him tremendously, we are very excited for David and wish him the best. He is a truly positive force in supporting artists and arts/cultural organizations across Oregon and the city will be lucky to have him.

During his five years as assistant director, David has provided invaluable input to our planning and implementation of grant programs, helping to ensure we are having the greatest possible impact with our limited funding. He has also made important contributions to our financial oversight systems and has been a strong advocate for accessible service to underserved groups.

David has been a great colleague to our team and has always brought forward ideas to respond to the changing environment. I greatly appreciate his work, thoughts and service, and I look forward to working with him in his new capacity.

As the city’s Arts Manager, David will work in partnership with the Commissioner of Arts and Culture, city bureaus and the Regional Arts and Culture Council to build on Portland’s long-standing commitment to a thriving arts and culture ecosystem.

David’s last day in the office will be Tuesday, Nov. 6. We are working with Business Oregon to develop an interim plan to cover his responsibilities while we consider opportunities to fill the position. In the meantime, please send your grant inquiries to [email protected] and all other concerns to [email protected]. You are also welcome to contact another member of the Arts Commission or Cultural Trust team.

Please let me know if you have any questions and join us in wishing David the best in his new position.

By now we have all heard about President Trump’s push to eliminate federal funding for a host of cultural agencies and nonprofits. Last week, President Trump doubled down, and proposed additional cuts the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)—in the current budget year. These cuts would hit in the final six months of the budget cycle, crippling grants and programs that are planned and approved this year.

Oregon Humanities depends on the NEH for almost half of our funding. Thanks to this funding, we are able to work with hundreds of organizations around the state in communities large and small, urban and rural. The federal dollars that come to Oregon Humanities from the NEH make it possible for people from Klamath Falls to Portland and Enterprise to Astoria to do the ongoing work of building trust and strengthening community.

In addition to my work as Executive Director of Oregon Humanities, I serve on the board of the Cultural Advocacy Coalition. The Coalition is Oregon’s only statewide advocacy organization that lobbies legislators on behalf of the cultural community, and defends funding for the Oregon Cultural Trust, Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Heritage Commission, State Historic Preservation Office and Oregon Humanities.

So, while we continue to pressure Congress to reject budget proposals which harm community-based programs like Oregon Humanities’ Conversation Projects and others, we are also in the midst of a challenging session here in Oregon—and we need your help!

We hope you will consider taking a few hours out of your day on Monday, April 24, 2017 to join us in Salem for Arts and Culture Advocacy Day 2017, at the Oregon State Capitol.

By visiting oregonculture.org/take-action right now you can sign up–and then immediately request a constituent meeting with your own legislators. If you have already registered, be sure you take a moment to request your constituent meeting, then help spread the word by sharing the link with friends and colleagues!

If you can’t make Advocacy Day, and are not yet a Coalition member, please consider joining with a membership gift of $50, $100 or $250 today to help preserve arts, heritage and the humanities, promote the creative economy and protect Oregon’s cultural life.

With your help, the Cultural Advocacy Coalition will continue to speak to those in power on behalf of our values; protecting and amplifying the voices of artists, historians, storytellers, community-builders and creatives whose essential work enriches our lives. With your help, we will withstand these very real threats to veterans’ programs in Central Oregon and North Portland, education programs for low income adults and the rich exploration of individual and community values facilitated by Oregon Humanities through community conversations throughout our state.

It will take all of us working together, participating in the legislative process and communicating with our elected representatives to protect arts and culture in Oregon and across the nation. Please take the time to join us.

Congratulations to Caldera, one of 12 national creative youth development organizations to receive the 2015 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award from First Lady Michelle Obama. Caldera Executive Director Tricia Snell and youth representative Alena Nore accepted the award at a Nov. 17 White House awards ceremony.

Caldera is the first Oregon organization to ever receive the award, the nation’s highest honor for creative youth programs. It recognizes the country’s best programs while highlighting the positive role that arts and humanities play in youth academic achievement, graduation rates and college enrollment.

In addition to the national recognition bestowed by the prestigious award, Caldera will also receive $10,000 to support its programming and build the long-term sustainability of the organization.

Former Arts Commission Chair Ron Paul passes

It was with heavy hearts the arts community learned of the passing of former Arts Commission Chair Ron Paul.

Ron was best-known as a chef and restaurateur, with the artistry and sustainability of food defining his professional identity. His work with the City of Portland engaged him at the intersection of politics and policy. As chief of staff to former Portland City Commissioner Charlie Hales, he helped shape plans to develop a year-round, food-focused Public Market. He also led the city’s lobbying for the creation of the Oregon Cultural Trust.

Ron recently served as executive director of Portland’s forthcoming James Beard Public Market.

Ron Paul

Oregon’s White House tree features recycled ornaments

Another feather in Oregon’s environmental cap — It is the only state to have its President’s Park (White House) tree decorated with recycled garbage!Incredibly beautiful marine garbage, transformed into art by Angela Haseltine Pozzi, the founder of The Washed Ashore Project in Bandon.

Trees representing all 56 states and territories are annually displayed at the White House park and each year different artists are invited to create the ornaments.

As a board member of the Cultural Advocacy Coalition for nearly 10 years, I have seen how the Coalition’s dedication to our future has made a difference in protecting funding and reinvesting in culture and preservation in Oregon.

Right now we need your help. Our Coalition is working for passage of critical legislation and increased funding. Funding for arts and culture is precarious in the best of circumstances and we know some would eliminate our funding entirely if given the chance. I feel so strongly about the importance of our work, right now, that I will match the first $1,000 in new or increased membership donations received through June 30, 2015.

Until this session closes, we will have funding and policy issues at stake. Legislation we are supporting will significantly strengthen culture in Oregon and legislation we oppose could have long-term devastating effects.

Our Coalition is entirely member-funded and cannot advocate effectively without our support. I have seen firsthand how important effective advocacy is in our state legislature–to protect the Oregon Cultural Trust, preserve Historic Preservation incentives, defend Oregon’s landmark percent for art program and the Oregon Arts Commission. This work is vital to all of us. I hope you will take advantage of my offer to match the first $1,000 in new or increased membership donations received through the end of this month. Join us, support our work, become a member of the Cultural Advocacy Coalition and protect our future.

PS. Building our coalition to advocate on behalf of the cultural community is so important that I have committed to match the first $1,000 in new and increased membership gifts received before June 30, 2015. Take advantage of my offer to match your gift, and help us protect arts and culture–and finish the session strong!

The Oregon Arts Commission is a vital resource for the Oregon arts. Each year the Arts Commission awards millions of dollars to Oregon artists and arts organizations. The Oregon Cultural Trust works with five partners: Oregon Arts Commission; Oregon State Historic Preservation Office; Oregon Humanities; Oregon Heritage Commission; and the Oregon Historical Society to promote and preserve Oregon culture.

Building a Cultural Tourist Destination Presentation, Nov. 5, 12 -1pm

Please join us on Thursday, Nov 5th from 12:00 to 1:00 pm at the Rogue Studio for the presentation “Lessons from Appalachia: Leveraging the Arts & Crafts as a Major Economic Development Strategy for Southern Oregon” by Jerry Works.

Cammy Davis, local artist and Edgy in October organizer says, “I saw a presentation by Jerry Works about how Appalachia converted poverty to a multi-million dollar economy through the arts. There were so many similarities between that region and the Rogue Valley, I wanted to bring it to the Medford business and arts community as well. I think this short presentation will inspire you and give you insight on how to help build cultural tourism in our area.”

Exhibit your artwork at Rogue Gallery!

Members’ Gallery Drop-off
All members are invited to bring in three new pieces to be juried into the Members’ Gallery. The work will be displayed from November 15, 2014 – March 10, 2015. Drop-off days:

Friday, November 7, 10-5

Saturday, November 8, 11-3

Accepted work can be posted on our website. For pointers about e-mailing photos of your work, register for the free class taking place Thursday, October 30, 4-5pm in Rogue Studio.

Annual Members Show Drop-off
Be a part of our annual members show in the Main Gallery! Members are encouraged to bring in one piece of art inspired by this year’s theme “The Sky is the Limit”. All media welcomed. Maximum size is 40 x 40 inches. This is a non-juried show and all exhibit ready work will be included. The show runs November 21- December 19, 2014.
Drop-off days:

Friday, November 14, 10-5

Saturday, November 15, 11-3

2016 Main Gallery Submissions
Whether you are an artist that would like your work shown in our Main Gallery, or know one who would be a great addition to a show, remember that we are currently accepting Main Gallery proposals. Artists working in all media are encouraged to apply. Reserved for work of the highest quality, the Main Gallery features emerging, mid-career, and established artists from the region and beyond. The deadline for the Main Gallery 2016 exhibition series submission is December 2, 2014. Submission guidelines available HERE.

Greetings! We will be announcing the next Arts Alliance of Southern Oregon public meeting soon. It will be held in late November or early December in Grants Pass.

Until then, you are encouraged to attend a town meeting in Medford hosted by the Rogue Gallery & Art Center and presented by the Oregon Arts Commission and the Oregon Cultural Trust: Monday, 11/3 from 1-4pm.

Brian Rogers and the staff of the Oregon Arts Commission and the Oregon Cultural Trust will hold 14 statewide town meetings between now and Dec. 12 to hear from Oregonians about arts and culture issues. The information gathered will develop independent plans to guide each organization over the next five years.

“Hearing from our stakeholders, which include every Oregonian, is a vitally important part of the planning process,” said Rogers. “The themes that emerge from these meetings will form the framework of our plans.”

Each of the three-hour meetings, which kick off in The Dalles Oct. 20 and conclude in Eugene Dec. 12, will be hosted by a local arts and culture partner. Registration is encouraged but not required. The meetings are free and open to the public.

The Oregon Arts Commission and the Oregon Cultural Trust are pleased to announce a series of 14 town meetings across Oregon to gather information about local, regional and statewide issues in arts and culture. We encourage you to attend, participate, share and learn in this important process. The Commission and Trust will use the information we gather to develop independent plans that will guide each organization over the next five years.

We also would like you to help spread the word and invite your board members, people you serve and community leaders to these town meetings.

Registration is not required, but encouraged to help us in our logistics. Each town meeting will be hosted by a local partner who are helping make these important meetings possible.

We also invite you to submit written testimony, especially if you are unable to attend a town meeting.

Brian Rogers – an accomplished painter, arts and culture consultant and the former deputy director of the Pennsylvania Council of the Arts – has been named the next executive director of the Oregon Arts Commission and Oregon Cultural Trust. Rogers was appointed today by Business Oregon Director Sean Robbins following a months-long search that culminated with community forums in Portland and Salem Monday.

“The strength of the arts and culture throughout Oregon not only drives economic impact on its own, but is critical to attracting talent for our growing companies and providing a quality of life that we all value in our communities,” said Robbins. “This extensive and inclusive search process has provided a candidate that has a demonstrated track record of moving state arts initiatives forward, and I am eager to work with him.”

“We’re delighted by this appointment,” said Julie Vigeland, chair of the Arts Commission, and Bob Speltz, chair of the Cultural Trust board of directors. “Brian is an experienced leader and arts administrator who is clearly adept at systems and strategy. We believe he will be a persuasive and compelling advocate for the arts, heritage and humanities.

“Rogers also was the choice of the Oregonians who participated in the process,” they added. “We are very grateful to those who took the time to attend the forums and share their feedback.”

During his 21 years with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA), Rogers also served as deputy director of administration, program director for art museums and fellowship manager. Since leaving the council in 2013, he has consulted with state arts agencies across the country about grant programs and funding.

Rogers played the key leadership role in the development and implementation of the “Cultural Data Project (CDP),” the public/private partnership of an innovative and groundbreaking data collection and reporting tool. He also served on the governing body for the CDP and as the state’s task force manager. In addition, he implemented several PCA programs and services including Picture Pennsylvania, a state-wide traveling exhibition program.

Among Rogers’ accomplishments in Pennsylvania were decentralized funding partnerships and initiatives for alternative funding options. He also implemented four strategic planning processes, one of which resulted in the nationally recognized re-organization of PCA’s responsive funding programs, providing a higher level of service and more than doubling the number of applicants funded.

Rogers holds a bachelor’s in fine arts from Tyler School of Art at Temple University, where he majored in painting, and a masters in fine arts from the Graduate School of Art at the University of Arizona.

Editor’s Note: After a long hiatus, we are happy to revive the Oregon Arts Commission e-newsletter. If you have suggestions for timely arts updates please contact [email protected].

Survey calls for input on executive director search

What qualities do you believe are most important in the next executive director of the Oregon Arts Commission and the Oregon Cultural Trust? A stakeholder survey invites your insights and perspective on the attributes you believe we should be looking for during an upcoming national search to fill the position. The survey takes about five minutes to complete and will be live until Sunday, Feb. 16. Responses will be compiled and used to develop the ideal candidate profile, which will guide the selection process. All survey participants will be notified of a subsequent public session at which the recruitment plan and job posting will be adopted.

(Clockwise from left) Kristin Calhoun of the Regional Arts and Culture Council, Cary Clarke of Young Audiences, April Baer of Oregon Public Broadcasting and Diane Syrcle of the Oregon Symphony deep in discussion at the 2013 Oregon Arts Summit in Portland. Photo: Andie Petkus

Feedback leads to regional summits

In response to audience feedback from last year’s Oregon Arts Summit in Portland, the Arts Commission is considering a new regional approach to meetings for the fall of 2014. A statewide summit in Portland will be scheduled for 2015.

Survey results revealed that while the larger statewide summit is highly valued for networking and discussion of broad topics, many feel the need for more focused conversations around regional issues and strategies. This feedback led to a rethinking of the current model and a decision to pilot regional convenings in 2014. The number, locations and dates of the meetings will be identified in collaboration with regional groups.

We welcome your ideas and suggestions as we embark on a more innovative approach to meeting the needs of regional arts leadership. Please contact David Huff, assistant Oregon Arts Commission director, at [email protected] or 503-986-0086 with questions or concerns.

Christopher Acebo

Alyssa Dawamana

Macy

Avantika Bawa

Leadership, Commission transitions announced;

new officers elected

We want to take this opportunity to thank Chris D’Arcy, former Oregon Arts Commission and Oregon Cultural Trust executive director, for 19 years of dedicated and transformational service. Among D’Arcy’s many accomplishments during her tenure were the creation of the Arts Builds Communities program and the development of the Oregon Cultural Trust. Shannon Planchon, assistant director of the Arts Commission from 2005 to 2013, agreed to serve as interim executive director until D’Arcy’s successor is named.

We also bid farewell to several members of the Commission who have stepped down in recent months: Jean Boyer Cowling; Roger Hull; Royal Nebeker; Henry Sayre; and Maurizio Valerio. Their leadership and commitment to the Arts Commission is deeply appreciated and they will be missed.

We are, however, excited to welcome three new members to the Commission. Christopher Acebo,the associate artistic director of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and Alyssa Dawamana,development specialist with the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation, were appointed by Gov. John Kitzhaber in November. Avantika Bawa,an assistant professor of fine arts at Washington State University Vancouver, Wash., joined the Commission in December.

Finally, the Commission voted on a new slate of officers at its February meeting. Julie Vigeland was elected to a second one-year term as chair and Libby Tower was elected vice chair.

Art in Action: Horatio Law’s Paris residency

Visual artist Horatio Law, one of 23 recipients of the most recent round of Career Opportunity grants, is currently in Paris completing a four-month residency at the Cité Internationale des Arts made possible by his grant. We recently checked in with Law and learned he was working on an installation he expected to finish this week. He shared this photo of “studio experiments with vellum and found objects,” part of his preparation for the installation. “Paris is a culturally diverse city, and the Cité is a united nation of artist residencies providing amazing opportunities and exposure to global culture,” says Law. Law received $1,500 from the Oregon Arts Commission and an additional $3,569 from The Ford Family Foundation to support his residency.

Upcoming grant deadlines

Deadlines are rapidly approaching for two of the Commission’s grant programs. Applications for Art Acquisition Funding must be received by March 25; Arts Learning grant proposals are due by April 1 (note revised deadline).

Nominations sought for next poet laureate

Seeking “a bold and articulate voice for culture across the state,” the Oregon Cultural Trust, Oregon Humanities and Oregon State Library jointly request nominations for Oregon’s next poet laureate. Paulann Petersen, who has served since 2010, completes her second term in April 2014. The nominating period runs through Feb. 28th.